Roommate Badboy - Wicked Academy

22

The next lecture took place in the chemistry lab-a class focused on mixing substances, measuring liquids, and handling chemicals with precision. The air was thick with the scent of various compounds, and the soft hum of burners flickered against the otherwise sterile environment.

Jason was already there with his friends, leaning against the workstation with effortless ease, twirling a glass rod between his fingers. He hadn't looked up-so focused, and uncharacteristically absorbed in whatever he was doing that it almost seemed like he was actually paying attention.

Stella nearly laughed at the sight. That was a rare phenomenon for Jason Davis.

He hadn't even noticed her enter. Normally, he was the one who sought her out, always finding a reason to bother her. But this time, she was the one approaching him, her eyes carrying a certain intention. Referencing his teasing at breakfast, she seized the opportunity.

Jason caught her movement in the corner of his eye, but he didn't turn. Not until she came closer, standing right next to him. He stiffened slightly, just enough for her to notice. Then, before he could say anything, she leaned in, her breath barely brushing his ear as she whispered, "No illegal additives. Try to keep this strictly academic, yeah?"

He froze.

Jason knew exactly what she meant. The implication wasn't lost on him-it was a deliberate jab at the drugs he had been taking, aimed to tease him.

He blinked once, processing, before a smirk crept onto his lips. Slowly, he turned his head to face her, his dark hazelnut eyes glinting with amusement. Oh, she thinks she's clever.

Jason wasn't about to let that slide. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "If you're that curious, I could always whip up something just for you."

His tone was smooth, playful, but the meaning behind it carried something else-something darker, something unspoken.

Stella rolled her eyes, unimpressed, but Jason caught the way her fingers tightened just slightly around the glass beaker she had picked up. He grinned to himself.

He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice just enough for only her to hear. "I could always help you out now that you acknowledge my skills."

Stella exhaled sharply through her nose, feigning exasperation. "Just try not to blow up the lab, Davis," she muttered before turning away, moving toward her assigned station.

She had walked into this on her own. Now she had to deal with it.

Jason watched her go, his smirk lingering as he picked up one of the glass flasks in front of him. He hadn't expected her to approach him-especially not taking his usual role. It was always him teasing her, making her uncomfortable, watching her stumble through his words. Unexpected, yet oddly amusing. Jason always found a certain thrill in the moments that caught him off guard.

Noah nudged him with his elbow. "You good, man?"

Jason blinked, masking his momentary distraction with a careless shrug. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Noah raised a brow but didn't press further.

Conversations ceased as the professor began, and each student settled into their assigned station. The only sounds were the soft swirl of liquids in flasks and the clink of glass beakers as the professor delivered instructions.

After the lecture ended, Jason told his friends he'd catch up later and made his way quickly toward Stella. He weaved through the crowd, his eyes fixed on her as she packed up her things. Reaching her just as she stood to leave, he grabbed her arm gently, stopping her in her tracks.